Donegal duo hoping to take the lead at World Sheepdog Trial
James P. McGee and his faithful border collie, Roeldog Becca, are aiming for success at this year's World Sheepdog Trial 2026.
The triennial sheepdog trial has attracted the most elite dogs and their handlers from 34 different countries across the world, all vying to be crowned World Champion.
The sheep and cattle farmer from Ballybofey will be competing at Huntington Farm near Lauder in the Scottish Borders from September 16-20 with his four-year-old border collie, Roeldog Becca and reserve dog Glencregg Silver.
McGee said: “Roeldog Becca has a super temperament, super qualities and is super talented and is a one in a million dog.
“I have had some very successful dogs over the years."
He said that every dog is unique "with their own characteristics, and individual way with working stock", adding that Roeldog Becca "rises to the big occasions”.
In 2023, she was ninth in the World Trials, at just 19 months.
One man and his dog
McGee is no stranger to sheepdogs, having grown up on a sheep farm, Glencregg Farm.
He has had a distinguished international career at sheepdog trials covering two decades.
This includes been crowned Irish National Champion multiple times and representing Ireland at the World Trial six times.
The Co. Donegal native is a previous World Champion in 2011 at Lowther Estate in Cumbria.
McGee has always had an interest in the working sheepdog.
He said: “I grew up watching 'One Man and his Dog' on a Sunday evening.
“I went to watch the international competition in Seaford in Co. Down, in 2002, and was hooked from that day.”
He most recently claimed victory at the 2025 Irish National Sheep Dog Trials in Co. Roscommon.
That win earned him the captaincy of the Irish international team for the second time, leading a team of 23 competitors.McGee said: “I see it as an honour and privilege to represent my country at international and world level.
“It is an extra honour to captain the team; there is no extra pressure, as I am always part of the team, but I do want to perform my best.”
McGee is optimistic about the competition in Scotland.He said: “I feel that the Irish team have a very good chance of performing well at the World.
“The Irish won the World Team event in 2023.
“So Ireland is home to some of the best dogs and handlers in the world.”In Scotland this September, James McGee and Roeldog Becca will compete against more than 300 handlers and dogs from 34 nations.
